<p>“I think it’s a somewhat self-perpetuating fear.” - EXACTLY.
The class is NOT anyhow harder than upper Bio classes and by far much easier than academics at Med. School. So, be a “man”, get over and do whatever it takes. There is no trick, no magic, just hard work and you better be prepared if Med. School is your future.<br>
In regard to visual, it could be the case. D. has been into art lessons all the way thru graduating from HS. Sport, Music, Art were her personal ECs. She said that she is very very good at visual recognition. Did art lessons (outside of school) made her this way? We do not know. One thing is evident looking back. If one is engaged in something of her own interest, putting all heart into it and enjoying it, it does pay off later one way or another. Everything that D. has ever been engaged outside of academics, and considering within academics but outside of math / schience classes, has paid of in much bigger way than we have anticipated. And, yes, languages are one of the majors here, 2 learned academically. one outside of academics. However, I believe that Music made learning languages easier for my D.
Again, use whatever you have and, please, stop listenning to all ney-sayers. Looking positively at everything also makes a difference. I have to remind this to my D. also, she is a worrying kind. Worrying does not help. Got to assess your personal situation with cool head, develop plan and stick to it, while evaluating at every step to see if it is working or not. If not, than adjustment to the original plan is required. </p>